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Jimmy Madison's release for Blue Chip Jazz is an example of creative hard bop. While the drummer is mostly content to accompany his talented sidemen, just taking a few short breaks for himself and a longer solo on "No JAMFS Allowed," trumpeter Walt Szymanski (who at times recalls both Freddie Hubbard and Kenny Wheeler) and former Art Blakeyite Dave Schnitter (who shows off his roots in Joe Henderson) have plenty of colorful features; pianist Ian MacDonald and bassist Chip Jackson also fare well in their supporting roles. A major strength to the session is the material, which not only includes Oscar Pettiford's catchy "Tricotism," Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes" and an obscurity by Barry Harris ("Like This") but five inventive originals by Szymanski. Although firmly based in "the tradition," the music is not at all stale or overly predictable. From the tricky title cut and the fiery "Campo Izquierdo" to the parade rhythms of "Trippin'" and the soulful "Prayer for Peace," this is a near-classic date that is well worth searching for.